Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp recipe features succulent jumbo shrimp cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned and finished with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb raw shrimp (jumbo, 20–25 count per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish and Finishing
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedge, for finishing
Instructions
- Rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes: Place the ¼ cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes in a medium bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes until softened. Drain thoroughly, pat dry, and chop finely.
- Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque, pink, and firm to the touch. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Bloom the garlic and tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in ½ cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
- Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add ½ cup heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are warmed through. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright finish.
- Serve and garnish: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately, ideally over pasta, rice, or toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- The sun-dried tomatoes should be dry-packed for best flavor; oil-packed tomatoes can alter the sauce’s texture.
- You can leave the shrimp tails on for presentation or remove them if preferred for easier eating.
- Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing and flavor enhancement.
- Heavy cream adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option but sauce will be less thick.
- The lemon wedge adds bright acidity that balances the creamy sauce; be sure to squeeze fresh juice just before serving.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long in the pan.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma and flavor bloom in the sauté step.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or adjust to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: sun-dried tomato shrimp, creamy shrimp recipe, easy shrimp dinner, skillet shrimp, garlic shrimp, Parmesan shrimp, quick seafood dinner
